In the latest wave of violence in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 22 people, including five children, according to Palestinian medical officials. The overnight attacks and Sunday bombardments hit several locations across the Gaza Strip, adding to the mounting toll of civilian casualties. This tragic development coincided with a rare visit by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Vatican’s envoy to the Holy Land, who attended a pre-Christmas Mass with Gaza’s small Christian community.
Deadly Strikes and Rising Casualties in Gaza
The Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes on Gaza, intensifying its operations against Hamas and its militants. Among the most devastating strikes was one on a school housing displaced people in Gaza City, which resulted in at least eight deaths, including three children. The Gaza Health Ministry reported this, stating that the school had been sheltering families affected by the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s military justified the strike, claiming it targeted Hamas militants hiding in the building. However, such operations have consistently raised concerns over civilian casualties, especially since they often involve attacks in densely populated areas. In a separate attack, an Israeli airstrike on a home in Deir al-Balah killed another eight people, including three women and two children.
In total, at least 22 people were killed across the region, adding to the growing toll of the ongoing conflict that has already resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths since the escalation began in October 2023.
Key Takeaway:
While Israel maintains that its strikes are aimed at Hamas militants, the persistent civilian casualties highlight the challenges of conducting military operations in densely populated urban areas.
Vatican Envoy Celebrates Mass with Gaza’s Christian Community
In a rare and symbolic gesture, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited Gaza to celebrate Mass with the small Christian community that remains in the region. Despite the near-constant hum of Israeli drones flying overhead, dozens of worshippers gathered in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City for the Christmas service. The church was beautifully decorated with a Christmas tree adorned with golden ornaments, providing a temporary oasis of peace amidst the surrounding violence.
During the service, Cardinal Pizzaballa delivered a message of solidarity and hope, stating, “I want to tell you that all the world, not just the Christian world, but the entire world is with you. The war will end, and we will rebuild.” His words were a rare moment of comfort for those living through the conflict.
The visit came as Pope Francis continued to publicly criticise Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and emphasising the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region. The pope condemned the killing of children in Gaza as “cruelty,” asserting that such acts were not reflective of war but rather of genocide.
Key Takeaway:
Cardinal Pizzaballa’s visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing plight of Gaza’s Christian community amidst the broader suffering caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Winter Approaches
The destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes has left Gaza’s civilian infrastructure in ruins. As winter sets in, tens of thousands of Palestinians are facing increasingly dire conditions. The war has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s population, many of whom are now living in makeshift tents along the coast. With temperatures dropping and heavy rainstorms hitting the region, the humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen in the coming months.
Israeli forces have conducted major operations in northern Gaza, an area already devastated by bombings. In a statement, COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for civilian affairs in Gaza, reported that it had facilitated the evacuation of over 100 patients and caregivers from hospitals in the northern part of the region. Additionally, 5,000 litres of fuel and food packages were delivered to hospitals to support medical care, though these efforts have not alleviated the overall suffering.
Many humanitarian organisations have warned that the blockade and restrictions on aid entering Gaza are exacerbating the already severe living conditions for civilians. The International Court of Justice and other bodies are currently investigating allegations of genocide and war crimes related to Israel’s actions in Gaza, though the Israeli government denies these accusations.
Key Takeaway:
As winter conditions worsen and displacement continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is set to become even more critical, with limited access to basic necessities like food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Tensions Escalate in the West Bank
Meanwhile, violence is also increasing in the West Bank, where clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants have escalated. In Jenin, a town in the northern West Bank, Palestinian militants shot and killed a member of the Palestinian security forces, sparking further tensions in the area. Two other security officers were wounded in the attack.
This incident follows a recent crackdown by the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Jenin, an area known for its frequent unrest. The PA, which is backed by the West, has struggled to maintain control in many parts of the West Bank due to widespread dissatisfaction with its governance and its cooperation with Israel on security matters.
The PA’s limited authority in the West Bank, coupled with the ongoing violence and instability, has created a volatile situation that further complicates efforts for peace.
Key Takeaway:
While much of the world’s focus remains on Gaza, the escalating violence in the West Bank shows that tensions across Palestinian territories are far from over.
Conclusion: A Continuing Tragedy
As Israel’s airstrikes continue to target Hamas positions in Gaza, the toll on Palestinian civilians grows heavier. The recent killings of at least 22 people, including children, demonstrate the ongoing human cost of this conflict. Meanwhile, the Vatican’s efforts to offer solidarity to Gaza’s Christians highlight the global awareness of the humanitarian crisis unfolding.
While Cardinal Pizzaballa’s visit provides a glimmer of hope for Gaza’s Christians, the broader situation remains dire, with no clear end in sight to the violence and suffering.
The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and an end to the violence, but obstacles remain, and peace talks have so far proven ineffective. As winter tightens its grip on Gaza, the urgency for humanitarian aid and international intervention becomes ever clearer.
